I used to live in Japan. Now, I'm back in Japan. What will I learn the second time around?

Monday, November 30, 2009

Is it safe?

Max: I should go to bed. I have to wake wake up early to get to the airport by eight tomorrow morning.Naomi: Don't worry, Max. I'll drive you.Emi: Uh-oh.Max: Uh-oh?!Naomi: Don't listen to her, Max. I am a safety driver.Max: Okay...but I hope you are a safe driver.

Lots of Japanese people say they're safety drivers. I am sure they are but actually, they mean they are safe drivers. Drivers is a noun so you need an adjective -- safe.

When can you use safety? Well, this familiar sign uses "safety":

Can you translate it? Right, it says "Safety first."

Of course, I always think in terms of movies. Here is the scariest use of the word "safe" you will ever hear. "Is it safe?" You tell me.